The structure of Aadaa Chautaal is quite different from other 14-matra taals.

Our series on taals with 14 matras or time units concludes with Aadaa Chautaal, which is used to accompany some vocal and instrumental compositions. In recent times, this taal has been heard more in instrumental recitals. It is also heard at times in tabla solo recitals.

The structure of Aadaa Chautaal is quite different from the other 14-matra taals discussed in previous episodes. In this case, the commonly accepted bar, or vibhaag divisions, follow an equal distribution of two matras to each vibhaag. Some musicians also follow a 2+2+2+2+3+3 framework.

The first track features Jaipur-Atrauli exponent Kesarbai Kerkar singing a vilambit or slow khayal set to Aadaa Chautaal in Bhimpalasi, a raag prescribed for performance in the late afternoon.

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Kesarbai Kerkar’s disciple Dhondutai Kulkarni sings a vilambit composition set to Aadaa Chautaal in a rarely heard raag called Kabiri Bhairav, prescribed for performance in the morning.

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The Patiala gharana maestro Bade Ghulam Ali Khan sings a vilambit composition set to the same taal in the raag Kamod. However, the pace chosen by him is slightly faster than that of the first two tracks included here.

This composition is followed by two more in the same raag. The first is set to a medium-tempo Teentaal. The recital ends with a tarana sung in a faster-paced Teentaal.

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The Mewati gharana virtuoso Jasraj presents a fast-paced composition in Triveni, a rarely-heard raag. He is accompanied on the harmonium by Arawind Thatte and on the tabla by Kedar Pandit. The structure of the sthayi or the first part of the composition follows the 2+2+2+2+3+3 taal framework.

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We move on to a tarana set to a fast-paced Aadaa Chautaal in the raag Hameer sung by the well-known vocalist Veena Sahasrabuddhe for a Doordarshan programme. She is accompanied on the sarangi by Iqbal Ahmed and on the tabla by Shashikant Muley, more popularly known as Nana Muley.

Listeners will note the incorporation of different metrical designs in the composition.

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The last track features the sitar maestro Ravi Shankar. He plays a drut or fast composition in the raag Gaud Sarang, prescribed for performance in the afternoon. Increasing the speed towards the end of the recital, he ends with a jhala, a climactic section that is replete with repetitive strokes of the right hand.

Why should inclusion matter to companies?

It's not just about goodwill - inclusivity is a good business decision.

To reach a 50-50 workplace scenario, policies on diversity need to be paired with a culture of inclusiveness. While diversity brings equal representation in meetings, board rooms, promotions and recruitment, inclusivity helps give voice to the people who might otherwise be marginalized or excluded. Inclusion at workplace can be seen in an environment that values diverse opinions, encourages collaboration and invites people to share their ideas and perspectives. As Verna Myers, a renowned diversity advocate, puts it “Diversity is being invited to the party, inclusion is being asked to dance.”

Creating a sense of belonging for everyone is essential for a company’s success. Let’s look at some of the real benefits of a diverse and inclusive workplace:

Better decision making

A whitepaper by Cloverpop, a decision making tool, established a direct link between inclusive decision making and better business performance. The research discovered that teams that followed an inclusive decision-making process made decisions 2X faster with half the meetings and delivered 60% better results. As per Harvard Business School Professor Francesca Gino, this report highlights how diversity and inclusion are practical tools to improve decision making in companies. According to her, changing the composition of decision making teams to include different perspectives can help individuals overcome biases that affect their decisions.

Higher job satisfaction

Employee satisfaction is connected to a workplace environment that values individual ideas and creates a sense of belonging for everyone. A research by Accenture identified 40 factors that influence advancement in the workplace. An empowering work environment where employees have the freedom to be creative, innovative and themselves at work, was identified as a key driver in improving employee advancement to senior levels.

Innovation

A research by Catalyst.org stated the in India, 62% of innovation is driven by employee perceptions of inclusion. The study included responses from 1,500 employees from Australia, China, Germany, India, Mexico and the United States and showed that employees who feel included are more likely to go above and beyond the call of duty, suggest new and innovative ways of getting work done.

Competitive Advantage

Shirley Engelmeier, author of ‘Inclusion: The New Competitive Business Advantage’, in her interview with Forbes, talks about the new global business normal. She points out that the rapidly changing customer base with different tastes and preferences need to feel represented by brands. An inclusive environment will future-proof the organisation to cater to the new global consumer language and give it a competitive edge.

An inclusive workplace ensures that no individual is disregarded because of their gender, race, disability, age or other social and cultural factors. Accenture has been a leading voice in advocating equal workplace. Having won several accolades including a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate equality index, Accenture has demonstrated inclusive and diverse practices not only within its organisation but also in business relationships through their Supplier Inclusion and Diversity program.

In a video titled ‘She rises’, Accenture captures the importance of implementing diverse policies and creating an inclusive workplace culture.